Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	12 Months Ended
Jul. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2009
Operating Activities
Net earnings	$ 225,291	$ 166,163	$ 131,907
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	60,491	59,232	58,597
Equity in losses (earnings) of affiliates, net of distributions	(2,585)	183	(982)
Deferred income taxes	1,957	3,025	(4,726)
Tax benefit of equity plans	(9,873)	(4,625)	(2,663)
Stock compensation plan expense	9,234	8,253	1,900
Other, net	(11,991)	(6,110)	(7)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquired businesses
Accounts receivable	(62,274)	(79,308)	116,983
Inventories	(52,999)	(25,826)	66,145
Prepaids and other current assets	7,233	(3,970)	(11,489)
Trade accounts payable and other accrued expenses	81,571	85,988	(78,738)
Net cash provided by operating activities	246,055	203,005	276,927
Investing Activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	(60,633)	(43,149)	(46,080)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment	782	490	511
Acquisitions, investments and divestitures of affiliates	3,493	(250)	(74,318)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,358)	(42,909)	(119,887)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from long-term debt	6,774	531	80,471
Repayments of long-term debt	(13,353)	(5,508)	(7,745)
Change in short-term borrowings	(36,603)	20,713	(103,695)
Purchase of treasury stock	(108,929)	(66,696)	(32,773)
Dividends paid	(41,013)	(36,242)	(35,166)
Tax benefit of equity plans	9,873	4,625	2,663
Exercise of stock options	15,899	13,053	4,476
Net cash used in financing activities	(167,352)	(69,524)	(91,769)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	19,149	(2,259)	(4,941)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	41,494	88,313	60,330
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	232,000	143,687	83,357
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	273,494	232,000	143,687
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income taxes	57,688	40,032	41,196
Interest	$ 12,852	$ 11,446	$ 14,861

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Includes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits are not generally reported as cash and cash equivalents. Includes cash and cash equivalents associated with the entity's continuing operations. Excludes cash and cash equivalents associated with the disposal group (and discontinued operation).